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CheatCC Rewind: Top 5 Retro Racing Games of All Time

CheatCC Rewind: Top 5 Retro Racing Games of All Time

Every adult gamer loves the old days – there’s something about reliving your childhood through old titles that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Ask any true gaming enthusiast about their top ten list of games and I guarantee they’ll add in at least one or two old school classics. Let’s take a look at our Top 5 Best Retro Racing Games and relive the old days for some much-needed Monday nostalgia.

Super Mario Kart (1992)

Super Mario Kart (1992)

Super Mario Kart debuted on the Super Nintendo back in 1992 and was a fresh take on a soon-to-be exhausted video game genre. Racing games during the early to mid 90’s were starting to all become one in the same – different landscapes, same graphics and game engine. However, Super Mario Kart managed to infuse some life into the genre with its trademark cast of Nintendo characters. Not only was the game a nice change of pace but it also set the bar for similar titles in the future, even if Bowser looked hilarious in that little go-kart.

Gran Turismo (1997)

Gran Turismo (1997)

There’s good reason Gran Turismo took five years to develop – it was a groundbreaking project that entirely changed the way racing games were experienced. Players were finally introduced to a racing simulator that closely resembled realistic driving mechanics. An entirely new direction was provided where emphasis was equally placed on both driving and pre-driving vehicle tuning. Without Gran Turismo , the world might never have experienced the stellar racing simulators we’ve seen in the last half-decade.

Crazy Taxi (1999)

Crazy Taxi (1999)

If you had a chance to play Crazy Taxi in the arcade before it debuted on the Sega Dreamcast, then you know how totally awesome and hugely popular this game was. I can’t remember a time where Crazy Taxi wasn’t mobbed with players at the old arcade near my hometown. The game boasted a great concept, epic soundtrack, and equally epic gameplay mechanics that firmly place it within our top 5 list.

Road Rash (1992)

Road Rash (1992)

When Road Rash busted onto the scene in 1992, it shook up the racing genre and instantly became a fan favorite. The game took the traditional motorcycle-racing platform and infused the ability to knock opponents off their bikes by any means necessary. Kicks, punches, and weapons were all at the player’s disposal to reroute opponents and over take their position. Ramming biker goons into oncoming traffic was hilariously satisfying while beating cops off their oversized rides was equally awesome. Road Rash defined a generation of Sega gamers and can easily be credited for sparking some of the best and unique racing games of our time – the GTA series is one in particular that comes to mind.

OutRun (1986)

OutRun (1986)

The pinnacle of 8-bit racing came during 1986 when OutRun showed up in arcade rooms across the world. There’s a reason this late 80’s classic has earned our top spot – moveable cabinet, innovative graphics, distinctive soundtrack, and that sweet Ferrari Testarossa Spider. OutRun was one of the first racing games to fully immerse the player into the gaming experience and began a trend that changed the way video games in general were designed. There’s a reason this title is credited as one of the best-selling video games of all-time – OutRun is and always will be a top classic.

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